The third annual Vermont Stand Up Paddleboard Festival will be held at the Waterbury Reservoir on June 29, the last Sunday of the month from 10am until 4pm. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Friends of Waterbury Reservoir (FWR), an organization committed to protecting, improving and enhancing the ecological, recreational, and community values of the Waterbury Reservoir. Recognized as a unique resource and an important conservation and economic asset for the people of the state of Vermont, the $5 entry fee for the event will go directly to the FWR to help its conservation efforts so that Vermonters and visitors alike may continue to paddle and camp on this beautiful lake for generations to come.

Stand up paddleboarding, or SUP for short, is becoming the fastest growing sport in Vermont. The reason this sport has grown so quickly in popularity is because it is something anyone can do and is relatively inexpensive. Vermont, and the entire east coast, is full of waterways that are great for beginner, intermediate, and advanced paddlers. “This sport has grown so much that our festival has doubled in size each year since we began. We are expecting many newcomers and experienced paddlers to join us this year to test boards, paddles, and gain some knowledge about the sport,” says Steve Brownlee, owner of Umiak Outfitters.

Area paddle shops and local food products will be on hand to help spread their love for the outdoors, paddling, and healthy living. There will be demos available from over 10 companies including Bic, Surftech, Laird, Boardworks, Michael Dolsey, Riviera, Nash, and Starboard. There will also be instruction and Bic One Design races multiple times throughout the day.

Participants should expect the park to fill quickly. Shuttle service will be available for designated offsite parking. Fees for the Festival include a $3 charge for a Vermont State Park Pass and a $5 Vermont Paddleboard Festival fee donated to FWF.
Looking for more information? Visit www.vtpaddlefest.com and learn more about the Friends of Waterbury Reservoir at www.friendsofwaterburyreservoir.org.